Argentina has initiated three days of national mourning after deadly flash floods in Bahia Blanca resulted in at least 16 fatalities. President Javier Milei’s office pledged government support, citing severe damage estimated at $400 million. Authorities are actively searching for missing persons, while renowned football star Lionel Messi offered his condolences. The event highlights the pressing need for improved climate adaptability measures.
Argentina has declared three days of national mourning in response to catastrophic flash floods that struck Bahia Blanca, resulting in the loss of at least 16 lives, with fears of additional casualties. This announcement was made by President Javier Milei’s office, which committed to full government support for the victims of this tragic event.
The flooding event transpired on Friday, where a staggering amount of approximately 260 millimeters of rain fell within a few hours, inundating entire neighborhoods and leaving thousands without electricity. Among the deceased are two young sisters, aged one and five, who were lost while attempting to seek refuge on a van’s roof alongside their mother.
Rescue teams are currently engaged in search efforts for the missing individuals, amid rising concerns that the death toll may increase. Mayor of Bahia Blanca, Federico Susbielles, has projected the damage to be around $400 million and described this incident as one of the most severe flooding occurrences in the city’s history.
Mayor Susbielles mentioned, “There are 16 confirmed deaths, but there are likely to be more.” In response to the disaster, the government has approved a substantial emergency fund of 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million) to aid recovery efforts.
Prominent football player Lionel Messi has extended his condolences on social media, expressing his solidarity with those affected by these tragic events. Experts have highlighted that this disaster underscores the urgent need to enhance early warning systems and improve climate resilience measures to combat the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events.
The national mourning declared by Argentina following the devastating floods in Bahia Blanca underscores the profound impact of such natural disasters on communities. With extensive damage and significant loss of life, immediate government action and public solidarity are crucial. This event serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threat posed by climate change, advocating for enhanced preparedness and resilience strategies.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
